Simple Exercises for the Pregnant Mum

Get both you and your bump moving with these simple exercises.

- Rachel Lim

Exercise during pregnancy sure does wonders to you and your bub-in-womb! It helps you stay healthy and in shape, allowing you to feel and look your best in this precious season of growing a baby in you. It soothes pregnancy discomfort such as backaches and fatigue, prevents pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, and improves your posture. The goodness overflows to your bub too as exercise during pregnancy lowers risks of preterm delivery or having an overweight baby. More importantly, it stages you for success by building stamina and strength needed for a smooth and safe labour and delivery.

10 Pregnancy Exercise Guidelines 

Whether you have been a fitness fanatic pre-pregnancy or are looking to start an exercise regime only now when you are pregnant, do bear these pregnancy exercises guidelines in mind for safety:

1 Start slow and never overexert yourself. Never exercise to the point of breathlessness as this is a sign that you and your baby-in-womb are not getting the oxygen needed.

2 Wear comfortable and sensible footwear that provide strong ankle and arch support. Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground. The pregnancy hormone, Relaxin, relaxes your body’s muscles, joints and ligaments, making you more prone to injuries like ankle sprains.

3 Take frequent breaks, keep hydrated and avoid exercising in hot weather. Excessive water loss may aggravate the pregnancy headaches you are experiencing.

4 Avoid contact sports and vigorous high-impact workouts. The sudden changes in posture may increase the risk of the placenta detaching from the uterus wall.